Aretha Franklin has died at the age of 76. The world of entertainment has spoken out to pay tribute.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed by her family that she was ‘seriously ill’ and in ‘hospice care surrounded by her family‘.
“Franklin’s official cause of death was due to advance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, which was confirmed by Franklin’s oncologist, Dr. Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute,” reads a statement from the family.
“In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart. We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds.”
They added: “We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
In a legendary career spanning more than five decades as a soul superstar, Aretha has won 18 Grammy awards, shifted more than 75 million records and performed at three presidential inaugurations – including that of Barack Obama in January 2009 (see his tribute to Franklin below).
Her last record came in the form of 2017’s ‘A Brand New Me’, shortly before she announced her retirement.
“I must tell you, I am retiring this year. I feel very, very enriched and satisfied with respect to where my career came from and where it is now”, she confirmed at the time.
Since news of her passing broke, tributes from the world of entertainment, politics and beyond have started to pour in.
Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many many years. She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul pic.twitter.com/jW4Gpwfdts
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 16, 2018
America has no royalty. But we do have a chance to earn something more enduring. Born in Memphis and raised in Detroit,…
Posted by Barack Obama on Thursday, August 16, 2018
Watching Aretha Franklin perform at the White House, and on so many other occasions, made time stand still. @BarackObama and I are holding Aretha’s family in our hearts right now. She will forever be our Queen of Soul. pic.twitter.com/NhHsbKijpl
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) August 16, 2018
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead. She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2018
President Trump commented on the death of Aretha Franklin, saying, 'She worked for me on numerous occasions.' pic.twitter.com/ezC8RrfXLg
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) August 16, 2018
I was fortunate enough to spend time with her and witness her last performance – a benefit for @ejaf at St John The Divine Cathedral. She was obviously unwell, and I wasn’t sure she could perform. But Aretha did and she raised the roof.
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018
The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. #RIPArethaFranklin
Elton xx
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018
What beautiful music and vocal artistry you gave to the world. You are a legend and your soul will never be forgotten. Rest in peace angel of music. #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/ab8fmIhp4o
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 16, 2018
♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ☁️ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ pic.twitter.com/J2Y1eEbSXo
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) August 16, 2018
https://t.co/LgBOr5vgkA: #RestInPower…#RestInPeace…#ArethaFranklin…
We will always love you.
All hail to the Queen! pic.twitter.com/QzfIQIs4og
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) August 16, 2018
Brian just dedicated his show in Berlin Germany – happening now – to “The Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin. #queenofsoul #arethafranklin pic.twitter.com/rIvqogXZYv
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) August 16, 2018
RIP Aretha Franklin
— Gucci Mane (@gucci1017) August 16, 2018
My heart ? is broken with the loss of my Queen, my Mentor, my True Friend ?
I will always cherish our moments together and LOVE YOU FOREVER. My heartfelt condolences to your family #ArethaFranklin #SoulSister #QueenofSoul ? pic.twitter.com/NB2UD7OhSI— ? ????? ???? ? (@ChakaKhan) August 16, 2018
Today we have lost one of the greatest. She will always be remembered and admired. Aretha Franklin, rest in peace. We love you.
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) August 16, 2018
RIP Aretha Franklin what a voice x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) August 16, 2018
Aretha. Thankyou for blessing us with your greatness.?
— Garbage (@garbage) August 16, 2018
Aretha was the greatest of all time. Played 3 songs in a row at my set in Berlin night before last…her music will live forever.
— win butler (@DJWindows98) August 16, 2018
The moment I wake up, before I put on my make up, I say a little prayer for you
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) August 16, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/JsogUu6C0B pic.twitter.com/iessn9wIK2
— Tegan and Sara (@teganandsara) August 16, 2018
RIP the incredible Aretha Franklin.
— Cosey Fanni Tutti (@coseyfannitutti) August 16, 2018
As the One and Only ‘ Queen of Soul ‘ Aretha Franklin was simply peerless. She has reigned supreme, and will always be held in the highest firmament of stars as the most exceptional vocalist, performer and recording artist the world has ever been privileged to witness (1/3)
— Annie Lennox (@AnnieLennox) August 16, 2018
Superlatives are often used to describe astonishing singers.. but in my view, even superlatives cannot be sufficient.
Everyone who loved her will be saying little prayers of gratitude, respect and appreciation for the musical life force that enriched our lives (2/3)
— Annie Lennox (@AnnieLennox) August 16, 2018
Her voice will soar forever https://t.co/xoFcotNzev
(3/3)— Annie Lennox (@AnnieLennox) August 16, 2018
God bless you Aretha Franklin. Thank you for inspiring me and every other person on this planet. We adore you. ?
— Bebe Rexha (@BebeRexha) August 16, 2018
Such devastating news. The Queen of Soul will reign supreme forever more. She inspired so many, with her truly unique and beautiful voice. RIP Aretha Franklin.
— Lisa Stansfield (@lisajstansfield) August 16, 2018
RIP @ArethaFranklin …
…Maybe the greatest voice of all time…
?— Paul Epworth (@paulepworth) August 16, 2018
Queen of Queens
Aretha Franklin pic.twitter.com/uAxGB6TXDa— giorgia (@Giorgia) August 16, 2018
No! Aretha Franklin, ‘Queen of Soul’, dies aged 76 https://t.co/PvrBO0MD1O
— Graeme Park (@graemepark) August 16, 2018
What a woman, what a voice. Raise a glass to the stunning Aretha. ❤️ X https://t.co/vJubmRzWT7 pic.twitter.com/Sx0Z8zrKWP
— Ed Harcourt (@EdHarcourt) August 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/laurenlaverne/status/1030100660841324549
RIP Aretha.. we'll never stop loving you.. pic.twitter.com/6dmvtYUIyM
— maryanne hobbs (@maryannehobbs) August 16, 2018
This is the one that always gets me https://t.co/VK6yrG1X1y 🙁
— Graham Linehan (@Glinner) August 16, 2018
Read NME’s full tribute and obituary to Aretha Franklin here.